Sarasota golf club community reports homebuying frenzy — $10M in sales

SARASOTA — The Founders Club reported more than $10 million in lot sales since last fall, with 90% of that having closed since the start of the year. 

The golf club community also has had 33 new homes planned since last fall. The homebuying frenzy comes on the heels of three new model homes breaking ground this quarter by members of The Founders Club Builder Program and a record increase of 35 percent in new club memberships, year-over-year, according to a press release.

“The interest throughout this year has been tremendous,” says Melissa Dovey, sales executive at The Founders Club, in the release. “We’re seeing people come from all over – as close as Lakewood Ranch, to California, Chicago, Kentucky and Texas – motivated by optimal weather, favorable financial opportunities, expansive open spaces, privacy and proximity to beaches and Sarasota’s cultural district.”

The club, located east of I-75 on Fruitville Road, features luxury home builders London Bay, AR Homes, John Cannon Homes and Lee Wetherington Homes through its Builder Program. The program gives homebuyers access to various architectural styles and customizable floor plans. 

“We’re seeing about 50% of buyers still working part time,” Dovey says. “So, the opportunity to select from a myriad of builders to create a variety of home options – whether needing to create a dedicated work-from-home space or virtual learning area, has been a major contributor to sales this season.”

The club recently completed a $600,000 renovation of the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course. The course features a 7,094-yard, par 72 layout with updated bunkers and greens.